Elite Canadian baseball program suspends coach over allegations of 'inappropriate sexual behaviour'

The Ontario Blue Jays said Friday it has indefinitely suspended Dan Bleiwas, its director of baseball operations, following allegations of “inappropriate sexual behaviour” by a former player. (Ontario Blue Jays website)

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An elite Canadian amateur baseball program has indefinitely suspended its director of baseball operations following allegations of "inappropriate sexual behaviour" by a former player.

In a statement emailed to CBC News on Friday, the Ontario Blue Jays said they had contacted Peel Regional Police on Feb. 12 "after hearing allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour involving a coach, Dan Bleiwas, and a player that took place approximately 15 years ago."

Bleiwas has been suspended indefinitely and instructed to avoid all contact with coaches, players and their families, said Sean Travers, the organization's director of player development.

In Friday's statement, Travers said that although "the alleged abuse occurred 15 years ago, we would like other potential victims to know that they will be supported in coming forward."

Travers declined to answer further questions about the case.

Peel police said they cannot comment on the status of an investigation.

In another email sent to parents of players Thursday, Travers said that "as an organization dedicated to providing a safe environment where kids can thrive, we have zero tolerance for any behavior that threatens the security and well-being of our players."

According to the Ontario Blue Jays site, Bleiwas has coached more than 300 players who have gone on scholarships to U.S. colleges and universities as well as more than 50 players who have played professionally and 75 who have played on Team Canada.

"Recently, Dan led the Ontario Blue Jays while having the most players selected in both the 2012 and 2013 Major League Baseball drafts of any Canadian team with seven and six players selected respectively in those drafts," the site says.

Bleiwas graduated from York University, is married and has two young daughters.